The Delhi High Court sharply criticised the Delhi government’s freebie policies following the tragic basement flooding in Rajendra Nagar, where three civil services aspirants lost their lives. A division bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela argued that the “freebie culture” has left the government without funds to improve infrastructure, particularly the city’s drainage system, amid a rapidly growing population.
The bench remarked, “You are permitting multi-storey buildings but there is no proper drain. Your civic authorities are bankrupt. If you don’t have money to pay salaries, how will you upgrade infrastructure? You want freebie culture. You’re not collecting any money, so you’re not spending any money.”
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) calling for the establishment of a High-Level Committee to investigate the deaths of the three aspirants in a flooded basement at Rau’s IAS coaching centre in Old Rajendra Nagar.
Counsel for the petitioner organisation, Kutumb, cited similar incidents in Mukherjee Nagar and Vivek Vihar, arguing that despite court orders, civic authorities have failed to act. The petitioner noted that repeated warnings about the illegal operation of Rau’s IAS coaching centre went unheeded, and timely action could have prevented the tragedy.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) contended that they had inspected and issued notices to around 75 institutes, shutting down 35 and sealing 25. However, the MCD argued that the blame lies with the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), which delayed action on the complaints.
The court questioned why century-old infrastructure had not been upgraded when building bylaws were being relaxed. It also pointed out a “major disconnect” between the city’s infrastructure and current needs.
The bench further criticised the termination of junior officers while senior officers remained unaccountable, emphasising that senior officials must also be held responsible for failing to supervise properly.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan also criticised the Delhi Police for arresting an SUV driver in the case, suggesting it was a diversion from holding those responsible for infrastructure failures accountable.
The court directed the Delhi Police to ensure the presence of the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Investigating Officer (IO) with all relevant files at the next hearing. The MCD Commissioner was also ordered to be present in court. The hearing is scheduled for Friday.
The petitioners, represented by Advocates Rudra Vikram Singh, Yash Giri, and Anuj Shukla, seek the formation of district-level committees to investigate illegal commercial constructions and to ensure compliance with safety norms.
In response to the tragedy, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena announced Rs. 10 lakhs compensation for the families of the deceased aspirants and promised swift action against the responsible officials within 24 hours.
The PIL also requests the authorities to submit action-taken reports on illegal coaching centres, as directed by a previous court order related to a fire incident in a coaching centre in Mukherjee Nagar.
